36 Things Every Visitor Must Do In The Blue Mountains

More than just a beauty to behold, the Blue Mountains is a place of activity and adventure.

Those dusty-blue peaks may be the initial drawcard of the Blue Mountains region, but this sprawling wilderness dotted with idyllic towns offers a gargantuan array of activities.

Whether you visit for the weekend or a longer stay, it’s easy to jam-pack your itinerary with activites, from dining out to staying in, hiking, swimming, wine-tasting, glamping and partaking in all manner of heart-pounding adventures.

1. Hop on the Explorer Bus

If this is your first time in the Blue Mountains, get the lay of the land’s dramatic cliffs and adorable townships with a hop-on-hop-off ticket on the Explorer Bus . It’s the freedom to roam the big attractions without having to worry about directions and there’s even live commentary, so you can get your nose out of the guide book and actually take in the sights.

the Blue Mountains Explorer bus passing through Katoomba — Ride through the quaint streetscapes onboard the Blue Mountains Explorer Bus. (Image: Destination NSW)

2. Go chasing waterfalls

The Blue Mountains is bejewelled with plenty of crystal cascades you can visit and even splash about in come summer. From the moderately accessible and widely known Wentworth Falls, Katoomba Falls and Minnehaha Falls to the more difficult Linda Falls and Leura Cascades, there’s plenty of walking tracks that lead to these thundering gems.

Reach the top of Wentworth Falls in the Blue Mountains National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Forage for wild foods with an expert

Diego Bonetto foraging — Diego will show you how to safely identify saffron milk cap mushrooms.

The Blue Mountains are bursting with edible delights, just waiting to be discovered. Join expert forager Diego Bonetto on one of his annual mushroom or wild edibles foraging workshops . With over 20 years of experience, Diego will teach you how to safely identify and cook wild mushrooms like the saffron milk cap. In his edible foraging workshops, you’ll uncover the region’s natural bounty, including dandelion, sowthistle, farmer’s friend and peppercress. Rally your friends or family for a day surrounded by nature and learning new skills.

4. Search for glow worms in Newnes Plateau

Spend an evening ogling at bioluminescent larvae in this former rail tunnel in Newnes Plateau. You can book a tour to check out the worms – who use their glow to attract prey, such as mosquitos – or bring your torch and wander the 400-metre tunnel yourself.

Follow the bioluminescent lights of Glow Worm Canyon in the Blue Mountains. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Visit the Three Sisters

The iconic Three Sisters are a must-see on any journey to through the Blue Mountains. Taking in their majesty is an easy 800-metre walk from the Echo Point Visitor Centre, where you can admire the ancient formations as they rise one kilometre above sea level.

the view of Three Sisters from Echo Point Lookout, Blue Mountains — Take in majestic views of Three Sisters from Echo Point Lookout. (Image: Destination NSW)

6. Soak in a Japanese bathhouse

Submit to bodily restoration with a visit to the Japanese Bath House , where you can bathe in a public onsen, enjoy a range of treatments and even spend the night in Japanese-style accommodation. With spectacular views to take in, it’s easy to spend a day soothing your aching muscles after a bush walk or hike.

7. Go canyoning with Blue Mountains Adventure Company

Where there are mountains, there are, naturally, valleys into which to descend. If your idea of taking in the majesty of this landscape is to discover the limits of your physicality, canyoning is going to be your thing.

The Blue Mountains Adventure Company offers a handful of tours that include abseiling and canyoning, with everything from slipping down waterfalls to jumping into pools. Choose from locations such as the Grand Canyon and Empress Falls to really get your pulse going.

people slipping down the Empress Falls, Blue Mountains — Guide yourself down the Empress Falls. (Image: David Hill)

8. Explore Scenic World

One of the most immersive ways to take in the drama of the Blue Mountains is to trundle up it, swoosh across it and glide above it at Scenic World. Here, in this veritable theme park of natural beauty, you can ride the world’s steepest railway or the southern hemisphere’s highest aerial cableway.

For those who can’t get enough of heights, try the heart-stopping Beyond Skyway experience , where you stand on top of the cablecar as it makes its crossing – yes, that means outside the car!

a cable car at Scenic World, Katoomba — Glide across the striking Jamison Valley on a Scenic World cable car. (Image: Destination NSW)

9. Wander the markets

With its smattering of adorable mountain towns, including Blackheath, Katoomba and Leura, all populated with talented makers, artists, growers and producers, it stands to reason there are plenty of markets dotting the calendar. Spend the morning browsing for local wares and find something special to take home.

10. Have a pint at a Blue Mountains brewery

Craft brewhouses have popped up in plenty of places in the last decade, each proudly showcasing the distinct flavours of the region in their brews. The Blue Mountains follows suit with a handful of great local breweries, which you can visit for a cold one and a bite to eat.

On your list, be sure to include Mountain Culture Beer in Katoomba. For those with a particular love of the craft, hit the road on a Blue Mountains pub crawl – just make sure you have a designated driver.

beer tasting at Mountain Culture Beer — Order up a paddle for a tasting at Mountain Culture Beer. (Image: Destination NSW)

11. Walk Katoomba Falls at night

While the magnificence of the Blue Mountains is on full display during daylight hours, there’s something magical and mysterious about the landscape at night.

Lean into the darkness on the beautiful Katoomba Falls Night-lit Walk , which follows a 1.5-kilometre trail that passes Orphan Rock, Witches Leap, Katoomba Falls and Katoomba Cascades. The lights stay on until 11pm, giving you plenty of time to enjoy a post-dinner stroll.

the dimly lit trail at Katoomba Falls Night-lit Walk — Stroll under the stars on a Katoomba Falls Night-lit Walk. (Image: David Hill; Deep Hill Media)

12. See the night sky on a stargazing tour

As a pristine wilderness, the focus of the Blue Mountains National Park shifts from ground level skywards as the sun gives way to the night’s celestial adornments.

With so little light pollution, it’s the perfect place to look towards the dark skies above. Blue Mountains Stargazing offers a collection of tours, some including dinner, others an astronomy workshop, and others that are complemented by wine tasting.

a woman looking a the telescope, Blue Mountains Stargazing — Join a stargazing tour to admire the starry night sky. (Image: Destination NSW)

13. Cosy up in a cute cabin

The Blue Mountains are proliferated with incredibly cosy cabins to cocoon yourself in during the cooler months, and to serve as a beautiful base for exploring. Even a cursory comb of Airbnb reveals plenty of places worthy of your Pinterest board. From luxury treehouses to off-grid tiny homes, there’s something to cater to all tastes!

a forest cabin at Wondernest — Stay in a cosy and cute cabin at Wondernest.

14. Trot through the bush on horseback

Invoke your inner child and take in the landscape on horseback. Canter across hillsides, trot through babbling streams and absorb vistas of valleys bathed in golden light as you explore the region upon a noble (or, at least, compliant) steed. There are a few places to find a horse-riding experience, including Megalong Valley Farm.

15. Tackle a hike

This one is a no-brainer and perhaps the most obvious activity on any Blue Mountains itinerary. But before you direct yourself to the nearest bushwalk, it’s worth doing some research to find the hike that’s best suited to you, as they vary in difficulty and scenery.

Some are challenging and require experience with walking, whereas others are short and easily accessible. An all-round favourite is the recently opened Grand Cliff Top Walk, which can be taken as a day hike or done over multiple days.

a couple enjoying a walk along the Wentworth Falls Track in the Blue Mountains National Park — Walk along the scenic edges of Wentworth Falls Track. (Image: Destination NSW)

16. Dine at the region’s best restaurants

With its proximity to Sydney ensuring a flow-on effect from the city’s fantastic dining scene, coupled with the fresh produce of the region, eating out in the Blue Mountains is a culinary treat.

From destination diners in Katoomba to cosy Leura cafes and beyond, there are loads of fine dining and casual eateries to choose from. A few noteworthy establishments include Blaq and Ates , two of Blackheath’s best restaurants.

a plate of food and drinks on the table at Blaq Restaurant + Bar, Blackheath — Dine on locally sourced produce at Blaq. (Image: Steven Woodburn)

17. Tour cellar doors

While often overlooked as a wine-growing region, the Blue Mountains certainly produces some beautiful drops. Pop into the cellar doors like Megalong Creek Estate and Dryridge Estate , both in the Megalong Valley, to sample their top wares with a view.

While you can explore yourself, there are also a handful of tours to join so you needn’t designate a driver – try Fantastic Aussie Tours to get you started.

the scenic vineyards of Dryridge Estate, Blue Mountains — Dryridge Estate has a vast vineyard to wander through.

18. Go underground at Jenolan Caves

The Blue Mountains may get star-billing, but what lies beneath is just as bewitching. The Jenolan Caves system is the largest in Australia, with an astonishing network of underworld chambers and rivers. Tours range from one to two hours and vary from easy to strenuous.

If you’re keen to explore deeper, stay overnight at the nearby Binda Bush Cabins . For everything else you need to know about visiting, check out our guide to the Jenolan Caves.

a group of tourists exploring Jenolan Caves — Explore the magnificent river cave system at Jenolan Caves. (Image: Destination NSW)

19. Discover the Zig Zag Railway

Trundle along this historic and deeply nostalgic railway that, as its name suggests, zig-zags round the mountain. First opened in 1869 as part of the Western Railway Line connecting Sydney to the west of the state, the steam-powered locomotive is a must-do experience that weaves across brick bridges and takes in dramatic Blue Mountains vistas.

a train passing through the Zig Zag Railway — The steam-powered locomotive Zig Zag Railway is a must-do experience. (Image: Salty Dingo)

20. Cycle the Blue Mountains bike trails

Absorb the sights and scents of the bush on a scenic bike ride. If you’re an experienced rider with your own bike on the hunt for two-wheeled thrills, there are loads of trails to test your mettle on throughout the mountains.

However, if you’re after a gentler experience that’s more sightseeing than adventure-seeking, join an e-bike tour that takes a lot of the grunt work out of the propulsion. Blue Mountains Biking Adventures offers beginner and intermediate tours, guided by locals that can show you some of the region’s best kept secrets.

bikers stopping for the view, Blue Mountains Biking Adventures, Katoomba — Go mountain biking on scenic trails with Blue Mountains Biking Adventures. (Image: Destination NSW)

21. Have a spa day

No matter what the weather is doing, a spa day never goes astray. But it can’t be denied that when the weather is chilly, spending the day in a cosy spa dials up the delight.

There are plenty of spas to book yourself into in the Blue Mountains, from the luxe spa at Lilianfels to Fairmont Resort‘s stunning day spa. Or, if you’re keen to revive tired muscles from more energetic pursuits, go for a session at the Blue Mountains Sauna .

the Lilianfels Day Spa welcome signage — Treat yourself to a pampering session at Lilianfels Day Spa. (Image: Destination NSW)

22. Get zen at Happy Buddha Retreats

The inherent tranquillity of the Blue Mountains goes a long way to facilitating mindfulness and personal serenity. But while a bushwalk is a great way to reset your inner zen, you can dive deeper into wellbeing at Happy Buddha Retreats .

Set in Wentworth Falls and surrounded by bushland, choose between simple hour-long classes and multi-day retreats to suit your spiritual needs. The accommodation is simple but lovely at this digital-free escape and there’s a wonderful pool for enlivening the senses.

a group of people doing meditation at Happy Buddha Retreats — Reset your inner zen at Happy Buddha Retreats.

23. Indulge at the Blue Mountains Chocolate Company

Weekends away dictate indulgence, so chocolate lovers ought to make a beeline for the Blue Mountains Chocolate Company in Katoomba, where guilty pleasures are happily accommodated. Purchase handmade chocolates and a candle-warmed hot choccie sipped on the veranda.

24. Garden hop at the Botanic Gardens

Although the untamed wilderness has its undeniable appeal, many tendered gardens in the Blue Mountains are worthy of your attention. Even if you’re not a natural green thumb, you’ll appreciate the toil that goes into maintaining the meticulous mountain gardens. Try Leura’s Everglades House and Gardens , The Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens in Mt Tomah or the Rhododendron Gardens in Blackheath.

the scenic grounds of Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah — Revel in the natural beauty on offer at Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens. (Image: Destination NSW)

25. Sip cider in Bilpin

The town of Bilpin on the other side of the valley is home to many an apple orchard. You’ll find Bilpin Cider Co. crushing the fruit for their refreshing tipples and Hillbilly Cider , with its live music and woodfired pizza. Both make for great pit stops on a Blue Mountains road trip.

cider bottles on display in Bilpin — Sample ciders in Bilpin.

26. Go shopping in Leura

The charming town of Leura is loved for many reasons, not least for its eclectic and lovely boutiques. With a collection of stores from second-hand stores and locally made homewares to book shops and art galleries, you can spend a very pleasant few hours perusing all manner of goods.

cafes and stores along Leura Mall in the Blue Mountains — Unearth unique treasures in the stores along Leura’s main street. (Image: Destination NSW)

27. Wander historic Hartley

Set on the western side of the Blue Mountains, Hartley and Little Hartley are a portal into a bygone era. Come to roam the former village with its well-preserved, historic sandstone buildings, where you can listen to the re-enactment of an old court case.

Take a liesurely stroll along the River Lett, stay overnight at the Old Trahlee or the more stately St Bernard’s Presbytery , the former of which is rumoured to be just a little bit haunted.

the historic Hartley in the Blue Mountains — Step into a bygone era in the historic t of Hartley. (Image: Lithgow Tourism)

28. Celebrate Christmas in July

On particularly wintry winters, when snow dusts the grounds, it seems only right to indulge in the fantasy of a white Christmas. Do so by embracing Yulefest events across the regio, including dinner at the Carrington Hotel. While Christmas in July is celebrated every year, it’s particularly special when it snows and the magic is conjured up with fairy lights, feasts and festive cheer.

a Christmas tree at the annual Yulefest in Katoomba — It’s never too early to celebrate Christmas at the Yulefest. (Image: David Hill; Deep Hill Media)

29. Go for a swim

When the mountains heat up, there are plentiful places perfect for cooling down in, especially after a hot hike. Glenbrook Gorge offers a natural plunge pool after a grade-4 hike, as does the nearby (and easier to reach) Jellybean Pools.

Katoomba’s Minnehaha Falls is picturesque and relatively easy to access, as is Linden’s Paradise Pool . There are plenty more, so look for one that suits your fitness levels, pack your towel and get hiking!

30. Play a round of golf

Tee off for a round of golf against the backdrop of the Blue Mountains National Park at Leura Golf Club , which is set on the grounds of Fairmont Resort. The 18-hole course is the oldest in the Blue Mountains and can’t be rivalled thanks to those Jamison Valley vistas.

There’s a golf course in almost every town in the Blue Mountains, from Springwood to Katoomba to Blackheath – take your pick and have a swing.

a man playing golf at Leura Golf Club in the Blue Mountains — Spend a day on the green at Leura Golf Club. (Image: Destination NSW)

31. Look out for lookouts

There are more scenic lookouts in the Blue Mountains than anyone can be bothered to count. And while you can’t reasonably get around to them all in one trip, there are some notable spots for snapping that all-important mountain selfie.

High on the list are Govetts Leap Lookout and Echo Point, but be sure to add Leura’s Sublime Point Lookout for sweeping Jamison Valley views. Wentworth Falls has its thundering cascade of water, while Lincoln Rock is a great spot to catch the sunset.

hikers overlooking the Olympian Rock Lookout, Blue Mountains National Park — Lose yourself in a sea of clouds at the Olympian Rock Lookout. (Image: Destination NSW)

32. Embrace a high tea experience

It’s almost impossible to visit the mountains without having a cuppa and scone thrust into your hand. High tea experiences here embrace this philosophy and you’ll find them proliferated from the high-end hotels to local cafes. High tea served in the Wintergarden of The Hydro Majestic sets a lofty benchmark.

an indulgent high tea tower at Hydro Majestic Hotel — Partake in an indulgent high tea at Hydro Majestic Hotel. (Image: Destination NSW)

33. Glamp at Mayfield Garden

The sprawling and exquisitely crafted Mayfield Garden in Oberon wanders for 65 hectares of themed horticultural vignettes. The private space is open most of the year for visitors to spend the day ambling about, but to fully immerse in the lush surroundings, opt for the one-night glamping experience .

Overnighters sleep in a beautifully appointed tent with access to hot showers and enjoy a three-course dinner for two at the onsite restaurant. Glamping is only offered during the spring, summer and autumn festival seasons, so check the website for availability.

glamping tents set up at Mayfield Garden, Oberon — Opt for luxe glamping in Mayfield Garden. (Image: Destination NSW)

34. Partake in happy hour

Bar hopping through the Blue Mountains is an entirely agreeable way to extend your nightcap. Begin at Champagne Charlie’s at The Carrington, Katoomba’s oldest cocktail bar, which was named after French Champagne merchant Charles Heidsieck.

From there, take a three-minute walk to Bootlegger for good cocktails and southern barbecue-style snacks. Across the road (literally), slip into Station Bar , a groovy drinking den plastered with band posters – a fitting statement thanks to its constant live music rotation.

friends enjoying cocktails at The Bootlegger Bar, Katoomba — Head to Bootlegger and catch up with your friends over cocktails. (Image: Destination NSW)

35. Visit a ghost town

If you’d like to send shivers down your spine, pitch your tent at the long-abandoned silver mining settlement, Yerranderie Private Town . This carefully preserved collection of historic buildings includes a post office, tailor shop, general store, bank and cottages, providing a freeze-frame of another time when bush life was harsh and unforgiving.

campers gathering around a bonfire setup on the Private Town campground, Yerranderie Regional Park — Pitch a tent on the Private Town campground. (Image: John Spencer DPE)

36. Follow the Blue Mountains Bookshop Trail

The Blue Mountains may be renowned for hiking, but a different kind of trail has popped up and is enticing a whole different type of explorer. The Blue Mountains Bookshop Trail is a local initiative that guides readers along a path of the region’s best bookshops. Starting in Springwood, it links local booksellers all the way to Lithgow. Bookworms – I’d be saving up for this one.

Gleebooks Blackheath in NSW — Gllebooks Blackheath is the 11th stop on the trail. (Image: Seamus Reece)

From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.

Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.

1. Gosford’s glow up

room at voco gosford — Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.

Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.

Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.

Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG) . Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery , the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.

Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.

2. Newcomers to the dining scene

table full of food at Amarilla restaurant terrigal — Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.

The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.

Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.

Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.

Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.

3. New Central Coast experiences

winemaker at Firescreek Botanical Winery — Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.

It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.

Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.

Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast , which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.

For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.

4. Central Coast accommodation

view from a cottage at Noonaweena — Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.

There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.

Allawah , a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.

In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.

To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort . This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.

5. Shopping on the Central Coast

Umina’s Centred Ceramics central coast — Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.

For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.

Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets , where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.

Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.

Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics , or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.

For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co . This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.

Start planning your coastal getaway at lovecentralcoast.com .